
Aston Villa ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho's contract some 654 DAYS after ex-Barcelona star last played for them
ASTON VILLA are ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho's contract some 654 days after he last played for them.
The playmaker, 32, is currently on loan at Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, where he's scored eight times in 43 outings.
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Aston Villa are trying to terminate Philippe Coutinho's monster contract
Credit: Getty
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He has spent the last year on loan with Brazilian side Vasco de Gama
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Coutinho, who also spent last season on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, has not played for
But he still has a year remaining on his lucrative £125,000-a-week contract, which Coutinho signed in 2022 after making his shock loan from
And the
Coutinho hit the ground running when he moved to Villa Park on loan in January 2022, scoring five goals in 19 games under Steven Gerard.
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But standards slipped after his move became permanent, with the ex-
And Coutinho now looks set to become a free agent if Villa can agree a deal to terminate his contract this month.
He's not the only potential outgoing as Unai Emery's men look to balance the books.
Emi Martinez, Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey could be sold for the right price, with Emi Buendia, Leander Dendocker, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior up for grabs.
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There is also interest in Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, but Villa are desperate to keep all three.
Emery is preparing for several incomings too.
Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!
Marco Asensio's loan from Paris Saint-Germain could be made permanent.
While Villa are huge fans of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling.
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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Katie Price shows off results of ‘painful botched' BBL surgery in barely-there polka dot bikini on boozy Ibiza holiday
KATIE Price has given her fans yet another glimpse of her botched BBL surgery. Stripping off to a teeny tiny polka dot bikini in Ibiza, 8 Katie Price looked amazing on a beach June 18 Credit: BackGrid 8 She showed off her perky bottom in the process Credit: BackGrid 8 Katie's teeny bikini left little to the imagination Credit: BackGrid 8 Her tiny frame was in full view for all to see Credit: BackGrid Katie, who recently opened up about her botched BBL before recently having some filler added to adjust the look of it, gave fans a closer look at her bikini body this week. On June 18, the stunning star was spotted soaking up the sun. Looking relaxed, Katie looked sensational as she strolled along the water's edge. She could be seen wearing a red polka dot bikini, which looked as though it was held together by flimsy string. Read More about Katie Price Katie wore her raven-coloured hair tied up into a high ponytail. She wore some brown sunglasses covering her eyes, and had a straw bag with her. Her nails were painted bright yellow and she rocked two designer necklaces around her neck. Katie's signature curves were on full display as she sunned herself and topped up her tan. Most read in Showbiz Her famous breasts were in full view as they almost busted out of her tiny bra top. And her freshly injected bottom was also on display thanks to the skimpy thong-style bikini bottoms she donned. Katie Price fans concerned as star looks unsteady on her feet in Ibiza This comes as she continues to enjoy her very boozy vacation in Spain. She recently popped up in a snap shared on EastEnders star In the snap, which was shared last weekend, Katie could be seen partying with the former soap actor as she stood between Dean and pal Jamie O'Hara. She was then snapped alongside Wayne Linekar in a photo, with the pair looking friendly while she donned a bikini. Katie Price's Surgery: A Timeline 1998 - Katie underwent her first breast augmentation taking her from a natural B cup to a C cup. She also had her first liposuction 1999 - Katie had two more boob jobs in the same year, one taking her from a C cup to a D cup, and then up to an F cup 2006 - Katie went under the knife to take her breasts up to a G cup 2007 - Katie had a rhinoplasty and veneers on her teeth 2008 - Katie stunned fans by reducing her breasts from an F cup to a C cup 2011 - Going back to an F cup, Katie also underwent body-contouring treatment and cheek and lip fillers 2014/5 - Following a nasty infection, Katie had her breast implants removed 2016 - Opting for bigger breasts yet again, Katie had another set of implants, along with implants, Botox and lip fillers 2017 - After a disastrous 'threading' facelift, Katie also had her veneers replaced. She also had her eighth boob job taking her to a GG cup 2018 - Katie went under the knife yet again for a facelift 2019 - After jetting to Turkey, Katie had a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift and a tummy tuck 2020 - Katie has her 12th boob job in Belgium to correct botched surgery and a new set of veneers 2021 - In a complete body overhaul, she opts for eye and lip lifts, liposuction under her chin, fat injected into her bum and full body liposuction 2022 - Katie undergoes another brow and eye lift-and undergoes 'biggest ever' boob job in Belgium, her 16th in total 2023 - Opting for a second rhinoplasty, Katie also gets a lip lift at the same time as well as new lip filler throughout the year 2024 - Katie has her 17th boob job in Brussels after revealing she wanted to downsize. She performed at Dublin Pride just days later and surgeons warned the lack of recovery posed a risk of infection This comes after Katie admitted that her botched Brazilian butt lift left her in agony. The Page 3 icon even swore off having surgery in the UK for good. Speaking on "The bum," she replied, adding, "I tried that BBL abroad where they take your own fat and put it in your bum. "It was so painful. And it just did not look right on me." When asked where she had it done, Katie revealed it was in Turkey – and despite the bad experience, she's still a big fan of going overseas for ops. She said: "I would never have surgery in England again. Ever, ever. I'd always have it abroad." Recently, Katie took to Instagram to share a video where she revealed that she was back at a clinic and about to have another procedure. She told fans she was Katie said: "So the bum is done! Here's a little sneaky, beaky, boopky," as she showed off the results of the injections. 8 Katie's tattooed body looked golden brown as she topped up her tan Credit: BackGrid 8 She wore her raven locks tied into a ponytail Credit: BackGrid 8 Katie looked stunning as she relaxed on the beach Credit: BackGrid 8 Her tiny and toned body was in the glow of the sunlight as she enjoyed her holiday Credit: BackGrid


Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Celtic legend on Martin O'Neill, working in a burger van and leukaemia battle
Stiliyan 'Stan' Petrov joined Glasgow Celtic from CSKA Sofia in 1999 and had a torrid time initially — before working in a burger van put him right. Four SPL titles, three SFA Cups, three League Cups, player of the year, a UEFA Cup runners-up medal, 228 appearances and 64 goals later, he would rejoin Martin O'Neill at Aston Villa. Many would pinpoint the standout win of his Celtic career as the 2002/03 two-legged UEFA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, 1-1 at Paradise before a sensational 2-0 win at Anfield in the second leg. He he joined Villa in 2006, and would remain until pre-season 2016. While in Birmingham, he won a Sunday League junior football cup, a success Petrov describes as the biggest victory of his life. Diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March 2012, Petrov retired from football in May 2013 and after spells as Villa youth coach in 2013, assistant coach in 2015, he would resume full-time training with the first team squad ahead of the 2016/17 season. 'Leukaemia was probably the toughest of my own opponents,' he says. 'It was something that I had to battle really hard. 'It was three years of a difficult battle, highs and lows, dark moments, mental issues. But you know what, it just shows you how strong we are as human beings and it's something that I will always remember, I'll never forget. 'I was fortunate to have a great family, a great, great wife, Paulina, she kind of put her life aside to make sure that she looked after me. 'And that's why I have a foundation, based in Bulgaria, England and Spain, I always like to help because I know how important the support is and helping others makes a huge difference. 'We support over 50 hospitals around the world. We create events, we raise funds, and we donate money for other people to have a better treatment and better life.' That 2016/17 pre-season tour with the Villans saw Petrov score in an 8-0 win over Austrian team GAK, but he was not offered a contract by then-boss Roberto De Matteo. Yet still, Petrov had come a long way since arriving at Celtic as a teenager in 1999. 'Obviously the start was tough for me, I'd a new coach, the speed of the football as well made it even more difficult,' explains the former Bulgaria international. 'But mainly, I felt that not being able to communicate with my teammates pushed me further from the dressing-room, so it was making sure that I understand what's happening in the dressing-room and I felt that I had to find a solution. 'And my solution at that time was I had a friend who was Scottish, he owned the burger van and obviously noticed that I couldn't speak English, I couldn't explain things — I couldn't place an order. 'We started with basic things and, I'll never regret it because that gave me a chance to stay at Celtic and be successful.' It proved to be a seven-year stay, 1999-06, that coincided with an eclectic set of talented stars. 'I've enjoyed playing with pretty much everyone, he says. 'We had a very, very strong team in my time and, obviously, Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton, they are ones that you can pick out. 'But I've played with some great players with some great characters as well, Neil Lennon, Paul Lambert, Joos Valgaeren, Johan Mjallby and, further down the line, playing with Shunsuke Nakamura, who was exceptional as well.' The week-in, week-out support of the fans at Celtic was exceptional. 'I loved playing in front of the Celtic fans because they're passionate, they love the club and they follow everywhere the club goes. 'I actually spoke with Lenny the other day, he doesn't really play anymore, he is a bit big now! I think the last game he played was my testimonial at Celtic Park.' Martin O'Neill was a key man for Petrov. 'I got on very well with him, still have a great friendship after he finished managing and I finished my career. 'We still keep in touch. We do a lot of events together. 'I still call him Gaffer, I love him, we have that much respect, he is just unique and weird in his own way, but in a very nice way. 'He's a great man-manager, knows how to motivate players, how to handle players with a character. 'He had one strong side, which is he always wanted to win and he sent that message every single day in a dressing-room and that made a huge difference.' Contrary to popular belief and despite being O'Neill's first signing, Petrov didn't 'follow him' to Villa. 'It wasn't my intention to go and play with Martin again,' reveals Petrov. 'I was down to sign for Portsmouth when Harry Redknapp and Portsmouth were doing very well. 'It's funny how things work but me and Gareth Barry, who was at Villa where Martin O'Neill was fighting to keep him, we both were going down to sign for Portsmouth, but we both ended up at Aston Villa. 'The opportunity to work with Martin was a great pleasure because I knew how he worked. I knew how dependable he was and I loved playing under him at Aston Villa.' There was always a big club feel about Villa and their noisy Holt End fans. 'The fans at Villa are very demanding and I loved that. 'Under Martin, he created a really strong team, a really competitive team, with some good balance and a good mix between experienced players and younger players. 'And I think if you look at the Villa now they're kind of continuing that, they want to have a competitive team, not just domestically, but on the European stage as well.' Under O'Neill, there were three consecutive sixth-place Premier League finishes, an FA cup semi-final in 2010 and three European football seasons, 2009-11. But it was a different trophy at a different club in Birmingham that would mean the world to Petrov, a sign he was winning the fight for life against acute leukemia. Wychall Wanderers were managed by former Coventry City defender David Busst, and offered Petrov a lifeline. 'I'd won leagues and cups in Bulgaria, three leagues in Scotland but, for me, after going through my treatment, being able to go back on a pitch and kick the ball was the best days because I was looking forward to every Sunday,' reveals Petrov. 'I've even changed the schedule for the boys, not drinking on a Friday or a Saturday if we are playing, Sunday breakfast in the morning, getting ready for the game. 'So the boys kind of loved it too because I've demanded so much from them but for me, being on the pitch again, kicking the ball and being able to run again, even if I was heavier at that time, I loved every single minute. 'Even going to the pub after where nobody shies away from a beer and I loved that. It was the best because when you win the game, you know what, you have a pint with your friends. 'You discuss the game, what's happening in the Premier League, world football, you have great craic and build up for the next weekend.' The former Villa captain feels there is more to come from his old side as they look to build on a first-ever Champions League campaign. They were beaten 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-finals by eventual winners PSG, finished sixth in the league and made the last four in the FA Cup. Indeed, eight wins in the last ten Premier League games, their two losses coming in Manchester against City and then United on the last day, saw them only miss out on CL participation on goal difference. 'It's great what they have achieved in the last two seasons,' says 'Stan'. 'The Champions League performance there has been incredible last season, this year it will be Europa League but I think they won't really bother about that because there will be another European competition. 'And with a super manager in Unai Emery, the team and the way he works, and with my two favourites, Morgan Rogers and 'Super' John McGinn, they've got a good chance to go further in that competition.' Petrov notes Ireland's recent form under new management — four wins, four losses and two draws. But the ex-Bulgaria international has warned against misplaced optimism about the 'win' column as his country accounts for two of those four. Bulgaria may have been to seven World Cups (finishing fourth in 1994) but they have not been to a major championship since Euro 2004 and are uncompetitive at present. Recent Bulgaria results include a five-goal defeat to Northern Ireland, four-goal defeats to Greece, Switzerland, a 5-2 reverse at home to Georgia, and draws with Belarus (twice), Cyprus and Luxembourg. 'Bulgarian football is shadowed by corruption and match-fixing and people who depend on political support,' says Petrov, who made a record 105 appearances and scored eight goals for his country. 'And this makes it even harder for the younger players, for the coaches and for all the football ecosystem in Bulgarian football to flourish because we've been struggling for many, many years and it seems like we are still struggling. 'We used to play against teams, against Ireland, against the North, and expect to win, now you can see how far we are behind. 'We are a football nation and I think the fans and people around football want a change but it seems like people who run the carpentry, do the building, don't want to change and this is the biggest downfall for Bulgarian football.' Ranked No.3 in the world in June 1995, Bulgaria currently languish 71st. 'I'm not surprised they could not win against Ireland, I'm not surprised at all. I mean, our national team, our players, are really struggling to play in the big teams and the big leagues, to create leaders, which was a really big problem for Bulgarian football and this has been going on for the last 20 years. 'And it seems like there's more people who don't want to change then want to change something for good.' ***Stiliyan Petrov will be featuring in a Premier League XI playing against Ayrfield Utd (founded 1977) at Blinden Drive, Coolock, Dublin, today. The game is a fundraiser for Ayrfield Utd's new clubhouse, youth club and sensory room for neurodivergent children and adults within the community, i.e. people with autism, ADHD, Asperger syndrome. And what a team it is! Premier League XI (courtesy LegendsXI/Tony Browne): David James; Stephen Carr, Ian Harte, Jaap Stam, Wes Browne; Karol Poborsky, Jason McAteer, Keith Gillespie; Jermaine Beckford, Yakubu - plus guests.


The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
How record Florian Wirtz transfer could spark £400m Liverpool overhaul as Arne Slot plots Feyenoord-style transformation
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